Hookah spacer

ABSTRACT

A thermally conductive panel spaces smoking material within a container from a top over the smoking material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 USC Section 120 fromco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/323,453 filed on Nov. 25,2008 by Saleh A. Saleh and entitled HOOKAH CAPSULE, the full disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present application claims priority under 35 USC Section 120 fromco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/417,629 filed on Apr. 2,2009 by Saleh A. Saleh and entitled HOOKAH SMOKING MATERIAL, the fulldisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Hookahs are utilized for smoking various smoking materials such astobacco. Use of a hookah typically requires a person to manually handleand load a ceramic or fruit hookah bowl with the smoking material. Afterthe bowl has been loaded with a smoking material, a separate piece ofperforated tin foil or metal screen is placed above the smoking materialand lit or hot coals are placed thereon. Smoke from the smoking materialis bubbled through a liquid and is subsequently inhaled through one ormore tubes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a hookah system according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a hookah capsule of the system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the hookah capsule of FIG. 2 duringperforation of an underside of the capsule.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view illustrating perforation of a top sideof the capsule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view illustrating positioning of theperforated capsule of FIG. 2 over an example bowl of an example hookah.

FIG. 6 of the top elevational view of the perforated capsule positionedwithin the bowl.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating extensions of the capsulewrapped about the bowl with a container of the capsule within the bowl.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate one example method for forming the capsule of FIG.2.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating another embodiment of thehookah system of FIG. 1 including an alternative hookah capsule.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the capsule of FIG.2.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the capsule of FIG.2.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating the capsule of FIG. 13 preparedfor use in a hookah.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 10 including a firstspacer system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 10 including a secondspacer system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 10 including a thirdspacer system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 17 taken along line18-18.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the hookahsystem of FIG. 1 with portions shown in section and prior to mounting ofa capsule upon a hookah.

FIG. 19A is a top plan view of a tube mounting portion of the hookah ofFIG. 19 without a perforater.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 19 taken along line20-20 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the hookah of FIG. 19 with the perforaterand taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of another example embodiment of the capsuleof FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the hookah system of FIG. 19 withportions shown in section and after mounting of the capsule upon thehookah.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the hookahsystem of FIG. 1 with portions shown in section and prior to mounting ofa capsule upon a hookah.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 24 taken along line24-24 of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the hookah system of FIG. 24 withportions shown in section and after mounting of the capsule upon thehookah.

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the hookahsystem of FIG. 1 with portions shown in section and prior to mounting ofa capsule upon a hookah.

FIG. 27A is a top plan view of eight to mounting portion of the hookahof FIG. 27 without a perforater.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the capsule of FIG. 27 taken along line28-28 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the hookah of FIG. 27 with the perforaterand taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the hookah system of FIG. 27 withportions shown in section and after mounting of the capsule upon thehookah.

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of thehookah system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of thehookah system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates hookah system 20 according to anexample embodiment. Hookah system 20 is configured to permit one or morepersons to inhale smoking material smoke that has been bubbled through aliquid. As will be described hereafter, hookah system 20 employs ahookah capsule 24 including the smoking material 26. The hookah capsule24 enables easier and less messy preparation of hookah system 20. Thehookah capsule 24 also provides for enhanced smoking of the smokingmaterial 26. Hookah system 20 includes hookah 22 and the aforementionedhookah capsule 24.

Hookah 22 (also known as a ghalyun, a water pipe, a nargule, a nargila,a chillam, a shisha tube or shisha, a hubbly bubbly, teterias, sisa,vodnice, vodar, vodni dymka, vesipiip, vizipipa) generally includes bowl30, tube 32, gasket 34, jar 36, hose 38, valve 40 and plate 42. Bowl 30,also known as a head of hookah 22, comprises a receptacle or containerhaving an interior 44 having an opening outlined by a mouth 46. Interior44 is configured to receive a portion of capsule 24 while mouth 46 isconfigured to support or elevate capsule 26. Bowl 30 includes one ormore passages 48 extending from interior 44 and in pneumatic or gaseouscommunication with an interior body 32. In one embodiment, bowl 30 isformed from clay or marble. In other embodiments, Bowl 30 may comprise ahollowed out fruit having perforations serving as passages 48.

Tube 32 comprises one or more structures forming a pneumatic or gaseousconduit 50 connected to passages 48 and extending from passages 48through gasket 34 and into jar 36 below a level or surface 52 of liquid54 contained within jar 36. Tube 32 allows smoke from smoking material26 to be drawn from interior 44 of bowl 30 through liquid 54.

Gasket 34 comprises one or more structures forming a seal between tube32 and jar 36. Gasket 34 caps jar 36 while permitting tube 32, hose 38and valve 42 extend through gasket 34 into the interior 56 of jar 36.Gasket 34 may include multiple openings allowing multiple hoses 38 formultiple persons smoking from hookah 22.

Jar 36 comprises a container configured to hold if liquid through whichsmoke is bubbled prior to being drawn through hoses 38. In oneembodiment, liquid 54 contained by jar 36 comprises water. As the smokeis bubbled through liquid 54, the smoke gains moisture and is lowered intemperature. In other embodiments, liquid 54 may comprise other liquidsuch as alcohol, spirit and/or fruit juice, mint leaves with lemonslices and the like. In some embodiments, jar 36 may additionallycontain ice to dramatically lower the temperature of the smoke. In someembodiments, hookah 22 may additionally include a container between jar36 and bowl 34 containing ice to cool the smoke.

Hose 38 comprises a slender tube through which smoke is inhaled. Hose 38extends through gasket 34 and communicates with the interior 56 of jar36 above the liquid line or level 52. In some embodiments, hose 38 mayadditionally include a mouthpiece. Although one hose 38 is illustrated,in other embodiments, hookah 22 may include additional hoses 38.Although hose 38 is illustrated as being provided through gasket 34, inother embodiments, hose 38 may extend through openings in jar 36.

Valve 40 comprises a selectively openable or closable valve for clearingsmoke from interior 56 of jar 36 rather than through hose 38. Althoughvalve 40 is illustrated as being provided through gasket 34, in otherembodiments, valve 40 may extend through openings in jar 36. In someembodiments, valve 40 may be omitted.

Plate 42, also known as an ash tray, comprises a receptacle or containerconfigured to store or contain cold or “dead” coals. Plate 42 ispositioned proximate to bowl 30. In other embodiments, plate 42 may beomitted.

Overall, hookah 22 comprises a mechanism through which smoke fromsmoking material 26 is drawn into and bubbled through a liquid prior tobeing inhaled through one or more hoses 38 or in the air through one ofmore valves 40. Although hookah 22 is illustrated as having theillustrated components with the illustrated shapes, hookah 22 and itscomponents may have a variety of different sizes, shapes andconfigurations.

Capsule 24 (also known as a tablet or packet) comprises a single unitpackage containing smoking material 26. Capsule 24 surrounds smokingmaterial 26 on substantially all sides. Prior to its modification whenplaced within bowl 30 of hookah 22, capsule 24 substantially seals aboutsmoking material 26, maintaining the freshness of the smoking material26. As a result, capsule 24 is used to store, distribute and sellindividual prepackaged portions of smoking material 26. Capsule 24 alsoenables the individual portions of smoking material 26 to be easilyplaced within bowl 30 without a person having to directly manuallycontact, touch or handle smoking material 26. As a result, a person'shands do not become sticky or messy when preparing hookah system 20.Moreover, because capsule 24 is directly placed within bowl 30, capsule26 further serves as a liner, avoiding direct contact between smokingmaterial 26 and the interior surfaces of bowl 30. As a result, bowl 30becomes less soiled, facilitating easier clean up. At the same time,capsule 24 is disposable.

Smoking material 26 comprises a material configured to be smoked uponthe application of heat from a heat source. In one embodiment, smokingmaterial 26 comprises a tobacco. In other embodiments, smoking material26 (sometimes referred to as shisha) may comprise other tobacco-freematerial such as sugar cane bagasse or herbal blends. Other examples ofsmoking material include, but are not limited to, tobamel, khansar,Ma'sal, Tumbak, Jurak, and combinations thereof. Such smoking materialsmay additionally include various sweeteners, flavors, fruits, spices,oils and the like. For example, smoking material 26 may includemolasses.

According to one embodiment, smoking material 26 comprises atobacco-free material or mixture of materials omitting nicotine and tar.In some embodiments, smoking material 26 may include tobacco; howeverthe overall mixture of materials forming smoking material 26 has asubstantial percentage provided by tobacco-free materials or materialsfree of nicotine and tar. In one embodiment, smoking material 26comprises a tobacco-free composition comprising wood portions, syrup,artificial flavorings and preservatives.

The wood portions forming smoking material 26 provide a pleasant scentand taste while allowing the use of tobacco to be reduced or eliminated.For purposes of this disclosure, the term “wood portions” meansshavings, sawdust, chips, particles, splinters, fragments or otherless-than-whole parts of woody portions of a tree or other plant (suchas the woody vine of a grape plant). The term “wood portions” also meansand encompasses such less-than-whole parts which may be grouped or boundtogether by one or more binders or binding materials so as to formpellets, chunks and the like. The binders themselves do not constitutethe “wood portions.” In embodiments where the “wood portions” comprisesmaller particles such as sawdust, the wood particles or sawdust have anincreased surface area, enhancing the ability of the wood particles toabsorb and carry this syrup, artificial flavorings and preservatives.The increased surface area further enhances the ability of the woodparticles to produce smoke.

In one embodiment, the wood portions comprise portions of wood takenfrom one or more fruit trees. Examples of fruit trees from whichportions of woody may be used to form smoking material 26 include, butare not limited to, apple trees, cherry trees, mulberry trees, peachtrees, pear trees, plum trees, pecan trees and lemon trees. Smokingmaterial 26 may also comprise woody portions taken from other plantssuch as shrubs and grapevines of grape plants. It has been found thatwood taken from fruit trees or other fruit plants, and used as a smokingmaterial 26, form smoke to provide an acceptable or even desirable scentor odor as well as pleasant and desirable taste.

It has been found that wood portions taken from apple trees and peartrees, when used as smoking material 26, provides smoke having arelatively neutral scent and a relatively neutral or desirable taste.Because of the relatively neutral scent and taste of the smoke producedby apple wood and pear wood, or mixtures thereof, has been found thatsmoking material 26 formed by apple or pear wood portions is especiallysuited for use with artificial flavorings, even artificial flavoringsthat do not necessarily correspond to the wood portions themselves. Inparticular, because the odor and flavor of the smoke produced from applewood portions or pear wood portions is not as strong as compared toother woods, artificial flavorings not necessarily apple or pear may bemore suitably used as part of a smoking material 26 including such appleor pear wood portions. For example, in some embodiments smoking material26 may utilize apple or pear wood portions and may additionally includeartificial flavorings of other fruits which are not apples or pears.

The syrup forming smoking material 26 comprises a composition of one ormore dissolved sugars. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “syrup”comprises a composition including one or more dissolved sugars. Thesyrup may be in the form of a thick, viscous liquid or may havepreviously been in the form of a thick viscous liquid, wherein theliquid has at least partially solidified. The syrup is mixed amongst thewood portions, coats the wood portions and is also absorbed by the woodportions. As noted above, in embodiments where the wood portionscomprise sawdust having a relatively large surface area per mass, butwould portions may have a better ability to absorb and carry the syrup.This syrup serves multiple functions. First, the syrup serves to coat orseal in the flavor of the wood portions. As a result, shelf life ofsmoking material 26 is enhanced. Second, the syrup serves to itselfabsorb some flavor from the wood portions. As a result, the combinationof wood portions and syrup yield an even more pleasant and desirableodor and taste when smoked. In other embodiments, smoking material 26may omit syrup.

In one embodiment, the smoking material 26 has a ratio of syrup to woodportions of approximately 100% to 400%. For example, the syrup may havea weight equal to and up to four times the weight of the wood portions.This ratio has been found to achieve extraordinary smoking results. Inother embodiments, other ratios may be employed. Examples of syrup thatmay be used include, but are not limited to, molasses, honey, agavenectar, barley malt syrup, birch syrup, brown rice syrup, chocolatesyrup, corn syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, inverted sugar syrup,Kithul treacle, maple syrup, palm syrup, sugar beet syrup, Yacon syrupand the like.

In one particular embodiment, smoking material 26 includes a syrupcomprising molasses. The molasses is a by-product from the processing ofsugar beet or sugar cane into sugar. In some embodiments, the molassesmay comprise sweet sorghum syrup.

In yet another embodiment, smoking material 26 includes a syrupcomprising honey. In embodiments where smoking material 26 comprisesmolasses or honey, the smoking material provides a higher smokingexperience in that the molasses and honey syrups boil and burn at aslower rate as compared to other syrups. Although natural syrups havebeen described, in other embodiments, smoking material 26 mayadditionally or alternatively include synthetic syrups which mimicsugars, extracts, molasses and the like. In yet another embodiment,smoking material 26 may omit the syrup.

The artificial flavorings used in smoking material 26 comprise chemicalcompositions that mimic the taste and/or scent of natural flavorings. Inother embodiments, smoking material 26 may additionally or alternativelyinclude natural flavorants or flavorings. A natural flavorant is theessential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate,distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, whichcontains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruitjuice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud,root, leaf or any other edible portions of a plant, meat, seafood,poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whoseprimary function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional. As notedabove, the artificial flavoring on the natural flavoring may notnecessarily correspond to the flavoring or scent of the wood portions.Examples of artificial or natural flavors that may be used with woodportions for smoking mature 26 include, but are not limited to, apple,grape, peach, melon, pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry andthe like. In addition to fruit flavors, non-fruit flavors may also oralternatively by used in smoking material 26. Examples include, but arenot limited to, bubblegum, butterscotch, COKE soda, cappuccino,chocolate and the like. In some embodiments, such artificial flavoringsor natural flavorants may be omitted.

The one or more preservatives forming smoking material 26 comprisecompositions configured to preserve the shelf life or to maintain theflavoring and scent of smoking material 26. In one embodiment, the oneor preservatives comprises glycerine. In other embodiments, otherpreservatives may be employed. In yet other embodiments, the one or morepreservatives may be omitted.

In addition to smoking material 26, capsule 24 includes a body orpackaging which encloses smoking material 26. In one embodiment, thebody or packaging of capsule 24 is sized so as to contain an individualportion of smoking material 26. In other embodiments, the packaging mayinclude multiple portions or use servings. In one embodiment, the bodyor packaging of capsule 26 is sized to be received within a hookah bowl.For example, in one embodiment, the body or packaging capsule 26 has avolume of less than or equal to 6 fluid ounces and a maximum dimensionof 5 inches. As a result, the person may simply drop or place thepackage itself into the bowl without having to physically contact ortouch the smoking material 26, which may be sticky due to the syrup. Inother embodiments, the packaging may include perforations or otherstructures configured to facilitate opening of the package, facilitatingpouring or dispensing of the smoking material from the package into ahookah bowl.

In one embodiment, the body or packaging of capsule 24 is formedentirely from one or more metal layers or films. In one embodiment, thepackage of capsule 24 has at least one metallic wall in contact withsmoking material 26. As a result, the higher thermal conductivity of themetallic wall more effectively transmits a uniform heat about smokingmaterial 26 to provide a more uniform heating of smoking material 26 andenhanced smoke production and operation.

According to one embodiment, the body of capsule 24 generally includescontainer 60 and top 62. Container 60 comprises a structure whichsubstantially receives and retains smoking material 26. In the exampleillustrated, container 60 comprises a cup-shaped structure. In otherembodiments, container 60 may have other polygonal shapes or maycomprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch. Container 60 has afloor 64 and side walls 66. Floor 64 extends generally opposite to andfaces top 62. Floor 64 extends in closest proximity to a bottom of bowl30 when container 60 is positioned within bowl 30. In one embodiment,floor 64 is elevated or spaced above the bottom of bowl 30, providinggreater clearance for smoke to accumulate before passing throughpassages 48. Floor 64 includes one or more openings 70. Openings 70 aresized and located to permit smoke from smoking material 26 to pass frominterior 72 of container 60 into interior 44 of bowl 30 without asubstantial amount of smoking material 26 passing through the sameopenings 70. In one embodiment, openings 70 comprise punctures (in theshape of voids or slits) extending through floor 70.

In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user justprior to inserting container 60 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookahsystem 20. In such an embodiment, floor 64 is sufficiently thin andsufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharpobject. For example, in one embodiment, floor 64 has a fixed generallyinflexible planar profile and is formed from one or more thin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 70 may be formed in other manners and atother points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 70 maycomprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openingsand formed during the fabrication or manufacture of container 70 priorto insertion of smoking material 26 into container 70 or after insertionof smoking material 26 into container 70 but before wholesale or retailto solution of capsule 24. In one embodiment, such openings 70 aretemporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smokingmaterial 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 26 mayadditionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 74. Flap 74 isconfigured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to openopenings 70. In one embodiment, flap 70 may be temporarily joined tofloor 64 across openings 70 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such asthose found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap 74.In other embodiments, flap 74 maybe secured to container 60 in a morepermanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn away fromremaining portions of container 62 exposed openings 70. In oneembodiment, flap 74 may be torn away and additional openings may bemanually punctured (with a sharp object) through floor 64 depending uponthe desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26. Inother embodiments, openings 70 may not be sealed or closed.

Sidewalls 66 extend between floor 64 and top 62. Together with floor 64,sidewalls 66 form a volume for containing smoking material 26. Sidewalls66 are imperforate. In some embodiments, sidewalls 66 may includeopenings for air flow which are covered or sealed by a removable flap.In yet other embodiments, sidewalls 66 may be configured to be manuallyperforated by a sharp object.

In one embodiment, side walls 66 have an inner most surface 76 and aninnermost layer 76 of one or more metallic materials. The innermostlayer of metallic materials contacts smoking material 26. In oneembodiment, an entirety of side walls 66 is formed from one or moremetallic materials. Because at least the inner most layer 76 ofsidewalls 66 is formed from a metallic material, sidewall 66 have anenhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heatsource 78 resting upon capsule 24. Because the thermally conductiveinner surface directly contacts smoking material 26, heat is effectivelytransferred to the smoking material 26. In other embodiments, sidewalls66 may include one or more layers of thermally conductive metallicmaterials which are spaced from the innermost surface 76 by one or morenonmetallic layers or materials, wherein surface 76 is formed from amaterial or is sufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermallyinsulate the thermally conductive layer from smoking material 26.

In the example illustrated, heat source 78 comprises hot coals. In otherembodiments, other heat sources 78 may be employed. Because sidewalls 66provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat from heat source 78 ismore uniformly distributed along the sides of smoking material 26 tosmoke smoking material 26, resulting in enhanced performance. In otherembodiments, sidewalls 66 may be formed from other materials.

In those embodiments in which sidewalls 66 have a layer formed from oneor more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallicmaterials, floor 64 may additionally be provided with a highlyconductive layer 80 formed from one or more metallic materials. In oneembodiment, layer 80 may provide the innermost surface of floor 64. Inother embodiments, layer 80 may be spaced from the inner most surface offloor 64 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaninglayers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to notsubstantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers fromsmoking material 26. Because floor 64 also includes a thermallyconductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 66 tobelow smoking material 26, heating the underside of smoking material 26.As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking of smoking material26 may be achieved. In other embodiments, floor 64 may omit suchthermally conductive metallic layers.

According to one embodiment, both floor 64 and sidewalls 66 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,floor 64 and sidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitary bodyfrom a tin foil. In other embodiments, floor 64 and sidewall 66 may beformed from one or more other materials.

Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 at junction 84. According to oneembodiment, sidewalls 66 are connected to top 62 by a crimped junction84. In one embodiment, sidewalls 66 are solely connected to top 62 bycrimped junction 84 without any intervening adhesives or insulativematerials. As a result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 66 isformed from one or more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat ismore effectively conducted in transferred from top 62 to sidewalls 66.There are no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere withthe transfer of heat to sidewall 66. In addition, there are no adhesiveswhich may otherwise emit an undesirable odor or scent or affect taste ofthe smoke during heating of capsule 24. In other embodiments, junction84 may include one or more adhesives, glues, solder joints, welds,interlocking structures or the like. In some embodiments, junction 84may omit any crimping. In still other embodiments, junction 84 may beomitted, wherein sidewalls 66 are integrally formed as a single unitarybody with top 62.

According to one embodiment, junction 84 includes one or more adhesivesformed from, comprising or consisting of one or more syrups or otherfood grade materials having sticky, adhesive or bonding characteristics.In one embodiment, the same syrups or other food grade materials thatare added to the smoking material 26 to preserve the smoking material,to add a scent to the smoking material or to add flavor to the smokingmaterial (collectively referred to as smoking material additive) arealso used at junction 84 to assist in joining top 62 to sidewall 66and/or to assist in sealing between top 62 and sidewall 66. Because thesame materials added to the smoking material are also used to enhance orfacilitate joining in sealing between sidewall 66 and top 62, otheradhesives which might otherwise add undesirable odor or flavor duringsmoking of the smoking material under high heat are eliminated orreduced. In addition, complexity and costs for fabricating ormanufacturing capsule 24 are reduced.

In one embodiment, the smoking material additive is the sole means bywhich top 62 is joined to sidewall 66. For example, the smoking materialadditive may seal and join two mutually facing flaps or surfaces. Inanother embodiment, the smoking material additive may be used inaddition to a mechanical joint to enhance bonding as well as to enhancesealing. For example, one embodiment, smoking material additive may beprovided between adjacent layers that are crimped and form junction 84.In one embodiment, the smoking material additive may comprise a syrupsuch as molasses. In other embodiments, the smoking material additivemay comprise other materials which have adhesive properties in at leastone physical state.

In some embodiments, the smoking material additive may alternatively oradditionally be used to join and/or assist in sealing between othercomponents of capsule 24. For example, the smoking material additive maybe used to seal and join removable flaps to either top 62 or floor 64over and across preformed openings. In other embodiments, use of smokingmaterial additive as a structural component joining our sealing betweenstructures may be omitted.

Top 62 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connectedto sidewalls 66 and spanning across interior 72 of container 60. Top 62captures and substantially encloses smoking material 26 within interior72. Top 62 additionally supports heating source 78 (hot coals) over andabove smoking material 26. Top 62 includes central portion 86 andextension 88.

Central portion 86 covers interior 72 while standing over interior 72between opposite sides of sidewalls 66. Central portion 86 has anupwardly and outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. Asa result, central portion 86 is better able to support heat source 78(hot cold) over interior 72 and over smoking material 26. In otherwords, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 86.In one embodiment, central portion 86 is either sufficiently rigid andstrong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 66 so as to besufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 78 suchthat an underside of central portion 86 does not collapse or rest uponsmoking material 26. In other words, central portion 86 is configuredsuch that the weight of heat source 78 does not cause central portion 86to compress smoking material 26. Because smoking material 26 is in anuncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having more accessto airflow, smoking material 26 is more effectively and efficientlysmoked.

According to one embodiment, central portion 86 is formed from orincludes a highly conductive layer 89 formed from one or more metallicmaterials. In one embodiment, layer 89 may provide the innermost surfaceof central portion 86. In other embodiments, layer 89 may be spaced fromthe inner most surface of central portion 86 by one or more non-metalliclayers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed from materials orare sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulate the thermallyconductive metallic layers from smoking material 26. Because centralportion 86 also includes a thermally conductive layer, heat is moreeffectively conducted to smoking material 26 through central portion 86,heating the upper side of smoking material 26. In other embodiments,central portion 86 may omit such thermally conductive metallic layers.

According to one example embodiment, central portion 84 includes one ormore openings 90. Openings 90 are sized and located to permit air topass into interior 72 of container 60 without large amounts of residue,if any, from heat source 78 (such as the ashes from coals) passingthrough the same openings 90. In one embodiment, openings 90 comprisepunctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through centralportion 86.

In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user justprior to inserting container 60 into bowl 30 as part of preparing hookahsystem 20. In such an embodiment, central portion 86 is sufficientlythin and sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with asharp object. For example, in one embodiment, central portion 86 has afixed generally inflexible planar profile and is formed from one of morethin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 90 may be formed in other manners and atother points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 90 maycomprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types of openingsand formed during the fabrication or manufacture of central portion 86prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 60 or afterinsertion of smoking material 26 into container 60 but before wholesaleor retail to solution of capsule 24. In one embodiment, such openings 90are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of the smokingmaterial 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 26 mayadditionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94. Flap 94 isconfigured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so as to openopenings 90. In one embodiment, flap 94 may be temporarily joined tocentral portion 86 across openings 90 with a pressure sensitive adhesive(such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peelflap 94. In other embodiments, flap 94 may be secured to container 60 ina more permanent fashion across openings 90, wherein flap 94 is torn orfolded away from remaining portions of container 60 to expose openings90. In other embodiments, flap 94 maybe secured to container 60 in amore permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn awayfrom remaining portions of container 62 exposed openings 70. In oneembodiment, flap 94 may be torn away and additional openings may bemanually punctured (with a sharp object) through central portion 86depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smoking medium ormaterial 26. In other embodiments, openings 90 may not be sealed orclosed. In some embodiments, openings 90 may be omitted.

Extension 88 comprises that portion of top 62 extending outwardly fromcentral portion 86 outwardly beyond sidewalls 66. Extension 88 providesan outwardly extending rim beyond sidewall 66 of container 60. Extension88 enables a larger heat source 78, such as a larger number of hotcoals, to rest upon capsule 24. Extension 88 further abuts or sealsagainst an upper service of mouth 46 of bowl 30. In particular,extension 88 has an outward expanse or area equal to or greater than anarea of mouth 46. As a result, extension 88 substantially inhibits smokefrom smoking material 26 from floating upward out of bowl 30. Rather, agreater percentage of the smoke from smoking material 26 that is passedthrough opening 70 maybe drawn through passages 48 and subsequentlyinhaled through the one or more hoses 38. Extension 88 further supportscontainer 60 and smoking material 26 above a bottom of bowl 30,preventing container 60 from occluding or blocking passages 48. In otherembodiments, container 60 may contact the bottom of bowl 30 while stillallowing sufficient air flow to passages 48.

According to one embodiment, extension 88 extends not only to and justabove mouth 46, but outwardly beyond mouth 46. This greater expanse ofextension 88 provides even a greater surface area for supporting thecoals of heat source 78. As a result, the coals of heat source 78 areeven less likely to fall off of top 62.

As indicated by broken lines in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, at leastthose portions of extension 88 extending outwardly beyond mouth 46 arenon-resiliently manually deformable or bendable. As a result, suchportions 96 of extension 88 may be wrapped or bent around mouth 46,along the exterior sides of mouth 46. Although this may reduce the totalsurface area for supporting the coals of heat source 78, wrapping aportion 96 about mouth 46 provides an enhanced seal about mouth 46 andbetter contains smoke from smoking material 26 within mouth 30 prior toits flow through passages 48. Because portions 96 by configured toretain their shape after being wrapped about mouth 46, the remainingportions of extension 88 and capsule 24 are better supported andelevated within bowl 30 above a bottom interior of bowl 30. In otherembodiments, portions 96 may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, central portion 86 and extensions 88 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,central portion 86 and extension 88 are integrally formed as a singleunitary body from a tin foil. According to one embodiment, centralportion 86 and extension 88 are formed from a single layer of metallicmaterial such as tinfoil (also known as aluminum foil). Because centralportion 86 and extension 80 are formed from a single layer, centralportion 86 may be more easily punctured, fabrication is less complex andcostly and thermal conductivity may be enhanced. In addition, becauseportion 96 is formed from a single layer, portion 96 may more easilyretain its deformed or bent shape against exterior surfaces of bowl 30proximate to mouth 46. In other embodiments, central portion 86 andextension 88, or selected portions thereof, may be formed from one ormore other materials or may be formed from multiple layers.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate capsule 124, a particular example embodiment ofcapsule 24. Capsule 24 includes a body which encloses smoking material26 (shown and described above with respect to FIG. 1). The body ofcapsule 124 generally includes container 160 and top 162. Container 160comprises a structure which substantially receives and retains smokingmaterial 26. In the example illustrated, container 160 comprises acup-shaped structure. In other embodiments, container 160 may have otherpolygonal shapes or may comprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch.Container 160 has a floor 164 and side walls 166. Floor 164 extendsgenerally opposite to and faces top 162. Floor 164 extends in closestproximity to a bottom of bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1) when container 160 ispositioned within bowl 30. In one embodiment, floor 164 is elevated orspaced above the bottom of bowl 30, providing greater clearance forsmoke to accumulate before passing through passages 48. Floor 164 isimperforate prior to being prepared for use with hookah 22 (shown inFIG. 1).

Sidewalls 166 extend between floor 164 and top 162. Together with floor164, sidewalls 166 form a volume for containing smoking material 26. Inone embodiment, side walls 166 imperforate. As a result, container 160better maintains a freshness of smoking material 26. In the exampleillustrated, sidewalls 166 have an inner most surface 76 (shown inFIG. 1) and an innermost layer 76 of one or more metallic materials. Theinnermost layer of metallic materials contacts smoking material 26. Inone embodiment, an entirety of side walls 166 is formed from one or moremetallic materials. Because at least the inner most layer 76 ofsidewalls 166 is formed from a metallic material, sidewalls 166 have anenhanced thermal conductivity for thermally conducting heat from a heatsource 78 (shown in FIG. 1) resting upon capsule 124. Because thethermally conductive inner surface directly contacts smoking material26, heat is effectively transferred to the smoking material 26. In otherembodiments, sidewalls 166 may include one or more layers of thermallyconductive metallic materials which are spaced from the innermostsurface 76 by one or more nonmetallic layers or materials, whereinsurface 76 is formed from a material or is sufficiently thin so as tonot substantially thermally insulate the thermally conductive layer fromsmoking material 26. Because sidewalls 166 provide such enhanced thermalconductivity, heat from heat source 78 is more uniformly distributedalong the sides of smoking material 26 to smoke smoking material 26,resulting in enhanced performance In other embodiments, sidewall 166 maybe formed from other materials.

In those embodiments in which sidewalls 166 have a layer formed from oneor more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallicmaterials, floor 164 may additionally be provided with a highlyconductive layer 80 formed from one or more metallic materials. In oneembodiment, layer 80 may provide the innermost surface of floor 164. Inother embodiments, layer 80 may be spaced from the inner most surface offloor 164 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaninglayers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to notsubstantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers fromsmoking material 26. Because floor 164 also includes a thermallyconductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 166to below smoking material 26, heating the underside of smoking material26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking of smokingmaterial 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments, floor 164 may omitsuch thermally conductive metallic layers.

In the embodiments illustrated, both floor 164 and sidewalls 166 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,floor 164 and sidewalls 166 are integrally formed as a single unitarybody from a tin foil (also known as aluminum foil). In otherembodiments, floor 164 and sidewall 166 may be formed from one or moreother materials.

As further shown by FIG. 2, floor 164 sidewalls 166 are formed bydeforming a single piece of foil such that sidewall 166 includes aplurality of circumferentially spaced vertically oriented wrinkles 167.Wrinkles 167 provide channels, grooves or other passageways throughwhich heated air and smoke may travel during heating of the smokingmaterial within capsule 124. In addition, wrinkles 167 provide sidewalls166 with a larger overall surface area, facilitating enhanced transferof heat to smoking material within container 160. It has also beendiscovered that the increased surface area of sidewalls 166 and thegrooves or channels formed by wrinkles 167 capture and retain soot orash that may occur within capsule 124. As a result, the ash is lesslikely to be drawn into hookah 22 and is less likely to be inhaled.

Sidewalls 66 are joined to top 62 at junction 184. According to oneembodiment, sidewalls 166 are connected to top 162 by a crimped junction184. In one embodiment, sidewalls 166 are solely connected to top 162 bycrimped junction 184 without any intervening adhesives or materials. Asa result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 166 is formed from oneor more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat is moreeffectively conducted in transferred from top 62 to sidewalls 66 Thereare no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere with thetransfer of heat to sidewall 66. In addition, there are no adhesiveswhich may impact the flavor or scent of the smoke produced by smokingmaterial 26.

In other embodiments, junction 184 may include one or more adhesives,glues, solder joints, welds, interlocking structures or the like. Insome embodiments, junction 84 may omit any crimping. In still otherembodiments, junction 184 may be omitted, wherein sidewalls 166 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body with top 162.

Top 162 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connectedto sidewalls 166 and spanning across interior 72 (shown in FIG. 1) ofcontainer 160. Top 162 captures and substantially encloses smokingmaterial 26 within interior 72. Top 162 additionally supports heatingsource 78 (hot coals) (shown in FIG. 1) over and above smoking material26. Top 162 includes central portion 186 and extension 188.

Central portion 186 covers interior 72 while standing over interior 72between opposite sides of sidewalls 166. Central portion 186 has anupper outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. As aresult, central portion 186 is better able to support heat source 78(hot coal) over interior 72 and over smoking material 26. In otherwords, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 186.In one embodiment, central portion 186 is either sufficiently rigid andstrong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 166 so as to besufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 78 suchthat an underside of central portion 186 does not collapse or rest uponsmoking material 26. In other words, central portion 186 is configuredsuch that the weight of heat source 78 does not cause central portion186 to compress smoking material 26. Because smoking material 26 is inan uncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having moreaccess to airflow, smoking material 26 is more effectively andefficiently smoked.

According to one embodiment, central portion 186 is formed from orincludes a highly conductive layer 89 formed from one or more metallicmaterials. In one embodiment, layer 89 may provide the innermost surfaceof central portion 186. In other embodiments, layer 89 may be spacedfrom the inner most surface of central portion 186 by one or morenon-metallic layers, wherein the innermost layers are formed frommaterials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulatethe thermally conductive metallic layers from smoking material 26.Because central portion 186 also includes a thermally conductive layer,heat is more effectively conducted to smoking material 26 throughcentral portion 86, heating the upper side of smoking material 26. Inother embodiments, central portion 86 may omit such thermally conductivemetallic layers.

Extension 188 comprises that portion of top 162 extending outwardly fromcentral portion 186 outwardly beyond sidewalls 166. Extension 188provides an outwardly extending rim beyond sidewall 166 of container160. Extension 188 enables a larger heat source 78, such as a largernumber of hot coals (shown in FIG. 1), to rest upon capsule 124.Extension 188 further abuts or steals against an upper surface of mouth46 of bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1). In particular, extension 188 has anoutward expanse or area equal to or greater than an area of mouth 46. Asa result, extension 188 substantially inhibits smoke from smokingmaterial 26 from floating upward out of bowl 30. Rather, a greaterpercentage of the smoke from smoking material 26 that is passed capsule124 into bowl 30 may be drawn through passages 48 and subsequentlyinhaled through the one or more hoses 38. Extension 188 further supportscontainer 160 and smoking material 26 above a bottom of bowl 30,preventing container 160 from occluding or blocking passages 48.

According to one embodiment, extension 188 is configured to extend notonly to and just above mouth 46, but outwardly beyond mouth 46. Thisgreater expanse of extension 188 provides even a greater surface areafor supporting the coals of heat source 78. As a result, the coals ofheat source 78 are even less likely to fall off of top 162.

As shown by FIG. 7, in one embodiment, at least those portions ofextension 188 extending outwardly beyond mouth 46 are non-resilientlyand manually deformable or bendable. As a result, such portions 196 ofextension 188 may be wrapped or bent around mouth 46, along the exteriorsides of mouth 46. Although this may reduce the total surface area forsupporting the coals of heat source 78, wrapping a portion 196 aboutmouth 46 provides an enhanced seal about mouth 46 and better containsmoke from smoking material 26 within mouth 46 prior to its flow throughpassages 48 (shown in FIG. 1). Because portions 196 are configured toretain their shape after being wrapped about mouth 46, the remainingportions of extension 188 and capsule 124 are better supported andelevated within bowl 30 above a bottom interior of bowl 30. In otherembodiments, portions 196 may be omitted.

According to one embodiment, central portion 186 and extensions 188 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,central portion 186 and extension 188 are integrally formed as a singleunitary body from a tin foil. According to one embodiment, centralportion 86 and extension 88 are formed from a single layer of metallicmaterial such as tinfoil. As shown by FIG. 10, in one embodiment,extension 188 may overlap an extension 208 of container 160. Becausecentral portion 186 and extension 180 are formed from a single layer,central portion 186 may be more easily punctured, fabrication is lesscomplex and costly and thermal conductivity may be enhanced. Inaddition, because portion 196 is formed from a single layer, portion 196may more easily retain its deformed or bent shape against exteriorsurfaces of bowl 30 proximate to mouth 46. In other embodiments, centralportion 186 and extension 188 may be formed from one or more othermaterials or may be formed from multiple layers.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate preparation of hookah system 22 using capsule 124.In particular, FIGS. 3-7 illustrate mounting of capsule 124 to a bowl 30of hookah system 22 (shown in its entirety in FIG. 1). As shown by FIG.3, one or more openings 170 are formed by puncturing floor 164 with asharp object 200. Openings 170 are sized and located to permit air topass into interior 72 of container 160 without large amounts of residue,if any, from heat source 78 (such as the ashes from coals) passingthrough the same openings 190. In one embodiment, openings 190 comprisepunctures (in the shape of voids or slits) extending through floor 164.

In the example illustrated, such punctures may be formed by an end-userjust prior to inserting container 160 into bowl 30 as part of preparinghookah system 20. In such an embodiment, floor 164 is sufficiently thinand sufficiently rigid or taught to permit such puncturing with a sharpobject. For example, in one embodiment, floor 164 has a fixed generallyinflexible planar profile and is formed from one of more thin foils. Inother embodiments, floor 164 may be flexible.

In other embodiments, openings 170 may be formed in other manners and atother points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 170may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types ofopenings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture of floor 164prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 or afterinsertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 but before wholesaleor retail to solution of capsule 124. In one embodiment, such openings190 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness of thesmoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 26 mayadditionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94 (shown anddescribed with respect to FIG. 1).

As shown by FIG. 4, openings 190 are formed in central portion 186.Openings 190 are sized and located to permit smoke from smoking material26, to pass from interior 72 (shown in FIG. 1) of container 160 intointerior 44 of bowl 30 without a substantial amount of coals of heatsource 78 (shown in FIG. 1) passing through the same openings 190. Inone embodiment, openings 190 comprise punctures (in the shape of voidsor slits) extending through central portion 186. Such punctures areformed by an end-user just prior to inserting container 160 into bowl 30as part of preparing hookah system 20. In such an embodiment, centralportion 186 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught topermit such puncturing with a sharp object 200. For example, in oneembodiment, central portion 186 has a fixed generally inflexible planarprofile and is formed from one of more thin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 190 may be formed in other manners and atother points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 190may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types ofopenings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture of container160 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 orafter insertion of smoking material 26 into container 160 but beforewholesale or retail to solution of capsule 124. In one embodiment, suchopenings 190 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness ofthe smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 124may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 94 (shown anddescribed in FIG. 1). In other embodiments, openings 190 may not besealed or closed.

As shown by FIGS. 5 and 6, once floor 164 and central portion 186 havebeen punctured (or otherwise modified) to form openings 170 and 190,capsule 124 is placed upon bowl 30 with container 160 (shown in FIG. 2)resting inside Bowl 30. As shown by FIG. 7, portions 196 of extension188 are bent and wrapped about the mouth 46 of bowl 30. Thereafter, asshown in FIG. 1, a heat source 78, such as hot coals, are placed uponcentral portion 86/186 of top 62/162. As indicated by the arrows in FIG.1, as air/smoke is inhaled through hose 38, air is drawn throughopenings 90/190 and passes across smoking material 26. Smoke fromsmoking material 26 is drawn through openings 70/170 into bowl 30. Thesmoke is further drawn through passages 48, through 232 and bubbledthrough liquid 54 in jar 36. The smoke then passes through hose 38 whereit is inhaled.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate one example method of forming capsule 124. Asshown by FIG. 8, top 162 is positioned across container 160 and anextension 208 of container 160. As noted above, in one embodiment, top162 is formed from a metallic foil such as tinfoil. Likewise, container160 and its extension 208 are also formed from a metallic foil, such astinfoil.

As shown by FIG. 9, one or more forming tools 210 (shown in FIG. 8) arepositioned at least partially about and around container 160. Formingtools 210 are pressed against extension 188 and extension 208 to formthe folds 212 shown in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, forming tools 210continuously extend about container 160 so as to form continuous fold212 about container 160 between container 160 and portion 196, extension188. In other embodiments, forming tools to 108 intermittently extendabout or around container 160 to form intermittently spaced folds 212.Although folds 212 are illustrated as extending downward into extensions188 and 208, in other embodiments, forming tools 210 may alternativelybe located below extension 208 such that folds 212 extend upwardly.

As shown by FIG. 10, folds 212 are subsequently crushed, pinched, mashedor deformed to form crimped junctures 184. In other embodiments, otherforming tools and other crimping methods may be employed. Becausecrimped junctures 184 are formed without adhesive, smoking material 26is sealed and kept fresh within container 160 without adhesives whichmight otherwise be made in older and affect taste during heating ofcapsule 124. As noted above, in other embodiments, adhesives or sealingmaterials may be employed with or without the crimping.

FIG. 11 illustrates hookah system 320, another embodiment of hookahsystem 20. Hookah system 320 is identical to hookah system 20 exceptthat hookah system 320 includes capsule 324. Capsule 324 is itselfidentical to capsule 24 except that capsule 324 includes extension 388in place of extension 88. Those remaining elements of hookah system 320that correspond to elements of hookah system 20 are numbered similarly.

As shown by FIG. 11, extension 388 extends outwardly from centralportion 86 and has a smaller expanse extending beyond container 60.Extension 388 is configured to abut and seal against an inner surface331 of bowl 30 rather than a top surface of mouth 46. In the exampleillustrated, extension 388 is sufficiently sized so as to frictionallyengage surface 331 to elevate floor 64 above passages 48. In the exampleshown, mouth 46 projects above a top of capsule 324 when capsule 324 ispositioned within bowl 30. As a result, portions of the bowl 30 risingabove mouth 46 further assist in retaining the coals of heat source 78in place above capsule 324. The remaining operation of hookah system 320is substantially similar to the operation of hookah system 20.

In yet another embodiment, capsule 324 and bowl 30 may comprise anintegrated consumable (disposable) system, wherein both capsule 324 andbowl 30 are formed from one or more foils joined together as a unit. Inparticular, bowl 30 is separate from tube 32 and top 388 of capsule 324is joined to bowl 30 by a sealed joint or crimp. In such an embodiment,floor 64 is pre-punctured or otherwise includes openings (during storageor at time of retail sale) within bowl 30 which seals about suchopenings. At the time or storage or retail sale, the bottom bowl 30 isimperforate or has flaps sealing such preexisting opening(s). In oneembodiment, during mounting of bowl 30 (and the joined capsule 324) tothe remainder of the hookah, the bottom of bowl 30 is punctured bypointed end of tube 38 providing passages 48. In another embodiment, theflap or flaps may be peeled away to expose preexisting openings prior tothe tube 32 being inserted through the exposed openings.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating capsule 424, another embodimentof capsule 24. Capsule 424 is illustrated prior to preparation ofcapsule 424 for insertion into hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Capsule 424comprise a specific embodiment of capsule 24 in which openings 70 and 90are preformed during fabrication of capsule 24 or during filling ofcapsule 24 was smoking material 26. Those remaining elements of capsule424 which correspond to elements of capsule 24 (described above) arenumbered similarly. Capsule 424 includes closing flaps 474 and 476.

Flap 474 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so asto open openings 70. Flap 474 includes a manually grippable tab orhandle 481. In one embodiment, flap 474 may be temporarily joined tofloor 64 across openings 70 with a pressure sensitive adhesive 475 (suchas those found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap74. In other embodiments, flap 474 may be secured to container 60 in amore permanent fashion across openings 70, wherein flap 474 is torn awayfrom remaining portions of container 60 to expose openings 70. In oneembodiment, flap 474 may be torn away and additional openings may bemanually punctured (with a sharp object) through floor 64 depending uponthe desired amount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26.

Flap 494 is configured to be torn or peeled away from container 60 so asto open openings 90. In the example illustrated, flap 494 includes amanually grippable tab or handle 495. In one embodiment, flap 494 may betemporarily joined to central portion 86 across openings 90 with apressure sensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes),enabling a person to easily peel flap 494. In other embodiments, flap944 may be secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashion acrossopenings 90, wherein flap 494 is torn or folded away from remainingportions of container 60 to expose openings 90. In other embodiments,flap 494 maybe secured to container 60 in a more permanent fashionacross openings 70, wherein flap 74 is torn away from remaining portionsof container 60 to expose openings 90. In one embodiment, flap 494 maybe torn away and additional openings may be manually punctured (with asharp object) through central portion 86 depending upon the desiredamount of air flow across smoking medium or material 26.

When preparing hookah system 22, a person grasps handles handle 495 andremoving or at least folds over flaps 474 and 494 to expose openings 70and 90, respectively. Thereafter, capsule 424 is positioned on andpartially within bowl 30 of hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Flaps 474 and494 enable easier preparation of capsule 424 for use in hookah 22.Because openings 70 and 90 are preformed, opening 7090 may be optimallysized and located for enhanced air or smoke flow.

FIG. 13 illustrates capsule 524, another embodiment of capsule 24.Capsule 524 is similar to capsule 24 except that capsule 524 includestop 562 in place of top 62. In addition, floor 64 is imperforate priorto being prepared for use in hookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1). Thoseremaining elements of capsule 524 which correspond to elements ofcapsule 24 are numbered similarly.

Top 562 is similar to top 62 except that top 562 is joined to container60 by junctions 584. In addition, as with some embodiments of top 62,central portion 86 of top 562 is imperforate prior to preparation foruse in hookah 22. Those remaining elements or components of top 562which correspond to elements of top 62 are numbered similarly.

Junctions 584 comprise structures or mechanisms configured to facilitateat least partial manually achieved separation of top 562 from container60 without potential damage to container 60 and without substantialtearing or abrupt forces which might otherwise cause spilling of smokingmaterial 26 from container 60. In one embodiment, junctions 584 maycomprise a pressure sensitive adhesive 585 positioned between container60 and top 562. In other embodiments, other temporary sealing andjoining mechanisms or structures may be employed. Junctions 584 encloseand seal smoking material 26 within container 60 to maintain thefreshness of smoking material 26. At the same time, junctions 584 permittop 562 to be removed, exposing smoking material 26 and permittingairflow from above smoking material 26. FIG. 14 illustrates use ofcapsule 524. In particular, capsule 524, containing smoking material 26,is stored and inventoried in the state shown in FIG. 13. Prior to use inhookah 22 (shown in FIG. 1), openings 70 are formed in floor 64. In oneembodiment, openings 70 are formed by puncturing floor 64. In otherembodiments, opening 70 may be preformed, wherein a flap, such as flap474 joining FIG. 12 is utilized.

As further shown by FIG. 14, top 562 is removed from container 60. Inone embodiment that top 562 is peeled away from container 60. In anotherembodiment, top 562 may be torn away from container 60. In otherembodiments, top 562 may be folded or bent away from container 60 whileremaining attached to a portion of container 60. Thereafter, container60 is positioned within bowl 30 (shown in FIG. 1) and a separateperforated foil or screen 531 is positioned over smoking material 26. Aheat source 78, such as hot coals (shown in FIG. 1), may then be placedon top of the screen or perforated foil. As with capsules 24, 124 and424, capsule 524 provides a prepackaged and apportioned unit of smokingmaterial 26. Moreover, capsule 524 enables the smoking material 26 to beloaded into a hookah without a person having to manually touch orcontact smoking material 26. In some embodiments, capsule 524additionally thermally conducts heat more uniformly about smokingmaterial 26 for enhanced smoking performance.

FIG. 15 illustrates capsule 124 additionally including spacer system600. Spacer system 600 is located within interior 72 of container 160.Spacer system 600 conducts thermal energy or heat to smoking material 26while maintaining smoking material 26 out of contact with and spacedfrom top 162. In the example illustrated, spacer system 600 spacessmoking material 26 from a lower or inner surface of top by a distanceare spacing S of at least 1/16 inches. As a result, air within space 602heats during heating of capsule 124, wherein spacer system 600 conductsthe heat to smoking material 26. Space 602 reduces the likelihood ofhotspots coming into contact with smoking material 26 to reduce thelikelihood of burning or charring of portions of smoking material 26which might otherwise be in contact with such hotspots formed on top 162by coals or other heat sources resting upon top 162.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, spacer system 600 comprises atleast one thermally conductive panel 605 between smoking material 26 andtop 162. In the example illustrated, panel 605 comprises a thermallyconductive metal foil, such as aluminum or tinfoil, which contacts,rests and floats upon smoking material 26. In other embodiments, panel605 may comprise a disc formed from other thermally conductive materialssuch as clay or ceramics. Panel 605 has outer edges 607 facing andspaced from interior surfaces 76 of side walls 166. In other words,outer edges 607 may contact one interior surface 76, but do not contactto opposite inner surfaces 76 of side walls of container 166. In otherembodiments, opposite outer edges of panel 605 may contact oppositeinterior surfaces 76 of container 166, wherein panel 605 is sufficientlyflexible such that central portions of the panel 605 contact and aresupported by smoking material 26 so as to float upon smoking material26. Because panel 605 comprises a thin metal foil, at least portions ofwhich are permitted to float on top of smoking material 26, panel 605remains in contact with smoking material 26 regardless of variations inthe amount of smoking material 26 within container 160, facilitatingmore reliable and uniform heat transfer to smoking material 26.

FIG. 16 illustrates capsule 124 with spacer system 620, anotherembodiment of spacer system 600. Spacer system 620 comprises a thermallyconductive panel 625 between smoking material 26 and a lower innersurface of top 162. Like spacer system 600, spacer system 620 spacessmoking material 26 from the lower or inner surface of top 162 byspacing S of at least 1/16 inches. Unlike panel 605 of spacer system600, panel 625 of spacer system 620 is supported by side walls 166 ofcontainer 160. In the example illustrated, panel 625 is sufficientlyrigid and has a diameter or other dimension such that outer edgeportions are outer perimeter portions 627 abut or contact oppositeinterior surfaces 76 to limit an extent to which panel 625 may belowered towards bottom 164 of container 160. In other embodiments, panel625 may rest on ridges or ribs/bumps along the internal walls of thecontainer above the top of the smoking material and not necessarilycontact the smoking material. As a result, panel 625 facilitates controlover spacing S of space 602 despite variations in the amount of smokingmaterial 26 within container 160. In one embodiment, panel 65 may beadhered to surfaces 76 by adhesives or smoking material additives suchas molasses. In other embodiments, panel 625 may be retained relative toside walls 166 by friction alone or as a result of the tapering of sidewalls 166 towards one another as they approach bottom 164.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate capsule 124 additionally including spacersystem 640, another embodiment of spacer system 600. Spacer system 640is similar to spacer system 600 except that spacer system 640additionally includes retainer 650. Retainer 650 maintains panel 605 ata minimum spacing S from top 162 even as panel 605 may be allowed tofloat upon smoking material 26. In the example illustrated, retainer 650comprises a wire mesh or grid extending between panel 605 and top 162and secured a retained to side walls 166 so as to limit movement ofpanel 605 towards top 162 past a predetermined minimum spacing from top162. In the example illustrated, the grid or wire mesh forming retainer650 freshly grips interior surfaces 76 to maintain a minimum spacingfrom top 162. In other embodiments, retainer 650 may have otherconfigurations and may be secured to side walls 166 (or top 162) inother fashions.

Although each of spacer systems 600, 620 and 640 have been illustratedand described as being used with capsule 124, spacer systems 600, 620and 640 may additionally or alternatively be used in other capsules orother containers containing smoking material for use with a hookah. Forexample, each of smoking system 600, 620 and 640 alternatively beutilized in any of the capsules or smoking mature containers describedherein such as, by way of example only, capsule 24, 424, and capsule524.

FIG. 19 illustrates hookah system 720, another embodiment of hookahsystem 20 (shown in FIG. 1). Hookah system 720 includes hookah 722,hookah bowl capsule 724 and perforator 726. Hookah 722 is similar tohookah 22 except that hookah 722 terminates at an end of a pipe stem ortube 32 having a tube mount portion 729. Hookah system 720 omits bowl30. Those remaining portions of hookah 722 which correspond to portionsof hookah 22 are numbered similarly.

Tube mount portion 729 extends at an end of tube 32 and is configured toat least be partially inserted into the bowl capsule 724. As shown byFIG. 19A, which illustrates an end of tube mount portion 729 withperforator 726 removed, tube mount portion 729 forms an open mouth 730which communicates with an interior 732 of tube 32. Tube mount portion729 facilitates mounting of hookah bowl capsule 724 on tube 32 of hookah722. Although mouth 730 is illustrated as being circular and as beingwider than interior 732, in other embodiments, 730 may be non-circular,such as polygonal, and may be a same size as interior 732 of tube 32.

Hookah bowl capsule 724 mounts upon tube mount portion 729 and containssmoking material 26. Capsule 724 (also known as a tablet or packet)comprises a single unit package containing smoking material 26. Capsule724 surrounds smoking material 726 on substantially all sides. Prior toits modification when mounted upon tube 32 of hookah 722, capsule 724substantially seals about smoking material 26, maintaining the freshnessof the smoking material 26. As a result, capsule 724 is used to store,distribute and sell individual prepackaged portions of smoking material26. Capsule 724 also enables the individual portions of smoking material26 to be easily mounted upon tube 32 without a person having to directlymanually contact, touch or handle smoking material 26. As a result, aperson's hands do not become sticky or messy when preparing hookahsystem 720.

In short, hookah bowl capsule 724 serves to at least two functions: (1)containing smoking material 26 in a sealed interior to maintainfreshness and moistness of smoking material 26 and (2) serving as ahookah bowl by supporting and pneumatically connecting smoking material26 to tube 32. As a result, a person intending to use hookah system 720merely removably mounts capsule 724 on tube mounting portion 729. Theperson does not need to manually handle smoking material 26. Whensmoking is finished, the person merely needs to lift, remove and discardcapsule 724 containing the used smoking material 26. Once again, persondoes not need to manually handle the used smoking material. In addition,hookah 722 is largely ready for a subsequent use without the personhaving to clean any bowl of hookah 722. Overall, hookah system 720 andcapsule 724 offer enhanced convenience and ease of use.

In addition to smoking material 26, capsule 724 includes a body orpackaging which encloses smoking material 26. In one embodiment, thebody or packaging of capsule 24 is sized so as to contain an individualportion of smoking material 26. In other embodiments, the packaging mayinclude multiple portions or use servings. In one embodiment, the bodyor packaging capsule 724 has a volume of less than or equal to 6 fluidounces and a maximum dimension of 5 inches. As a result, the person maysimply mount the package itself onto tube mounting portion 729 of tube32 without having to physically contact or touch the smoking material26, which may be sticky due to the syrup.

In one embodiment, the body or packaging of capsule 724 is formedentirely from one or more metal layers or films. In one embodiment, thepackage of capsule 24 has at least one metallic wall in contact withsmoking material 26. As a result, the higher thermal conductivity of themetallic wall more effectively transmits a uniform heat about smokingmaterial 26 to provide a more uniform heating of smoking material 26 andenhanced smoke production and operation.

In the example illustrated, the body of capsule 724 generally includescontainer 760 and top 762. Container 760 comprises a structure whichsubstantially receives and retains smoking material 26. According to oneembodiment, container 760 comprises a cup-shaped structure. In otherembodiments, container 760 may have other polygonal shapes or maycomprise a semicircular or ovular sack or pouch. Container includesfloor 764, interface 765 and side walls 766. Floor 764 extends generallyopposite to and faces top 762. Floor 764 extends in closest proximity toa mounting portion 729 when container 760 is positioned on tube 32.

Interface 765 facilitates mounting of capsule 724 onto mounting portion729. In one embodiment, interface 765 facilitates such mounting ofcapsule 724 without the use of tools. In the example illustrated,interface 765 comprises a tube 767 located within container 760 andconfigured to receive and seal against mounting portion 729. In such anembodiment, one or both of interface 765 and mounting portion 729 mayinclude one or more sealing arrangements such as gaskets, sealing ringsand the like. Because tube 767 is contained within container 760,capsule 724 is more compact and has a lower profile that facilitatesstacking and packaging of multiple capsules 724.

According to one embodiment, tube 767 of interface 765 has a sealed orclosed imperforate axial face 768. Likewise, circumferential sides oftube 767 are also imperforate. As a result, circumferential sides oftube 767, axial face 768 of tube 767, floor 764, side walls 766 and top762 substantially enclose and seal about smoking material 26 to maintainthe freshness of smoking material 26. Axial face 768 is formed from oneor more materials having a thickness and being sufficiently rigid ortaut so as to be perforated without substantial tearing of face 768. Inone embodiment, axial face 768 is formed from a metallic foil, such asaluminum foil. As will be described hereafter, perforation of axial face768 to pneumatically connect interior 776 of capsule 724 with theinterior of tube 32 may be performed using perforator 726 or otherperforation tools 727 (shown in FIG. 19).

In yet other embodiments, axial face 768 or circumferential portions oftube 767 proximate to face 768 may include punctures, slits, cut-outs,notches or other types of openings formed during the fabrication ormanufacture of container 760 prior to insertion of smoking material 26into container 760 or after insertion of smoking material 26 intocontainer 760 but before wholesale or retail distribution of capsule724. In one embodiment, such openings 770 are temporarily sealed orclosed to maintain freshness of the smoking material 26. In particular,in one embodiment, capsule 724 may additionally be provided with aclosing tab or flap 774. Flap 774 is configured to be torn or peeledaway from container 760 so as to open openings 770 or so as to open tube767 for insertion of mounting portion 729. In one embodiment, flap 774may be temporarily joined to floor 64 across tube 767 with a pressuresensitive adhesive (such as those found on POST-IT notes), enabling aperson to easily peel flap 774. In other embodiments, flap 774 may besecured to container 760 in a more permanent fashion across tube 767,wherein flap 774 is torn away from remaining portions of container 760to open tube 767.

In those embodiments in which capsule 724 includes sealing flap 769 andin which an interior of tube 767 is already in communication with theinterior 772 of container 760 through openings 770 within tube 766 orface 768, hookah system 720 may omit perforator 726 and may notnecessarily require the use of a perforation tool 727. Alternatively, inthose embodiments in which axial face 768 is to be perforated usingperforator 726 or perforation tool 727, flap 769 may be omitted. In someembodiments, flap 769 may be additionally be used to provide a doublesealing structure or to prevent accidental perforation of axial face 768until use of capsule 724.

Sidewalls 766 extend between floor 764 and top 762. Together with floor764 and interface 765, sidewalls 766 form a volume for containingsmoking material 26. Sidewalls 766 are imperforate. Side walls 766 havean inner most surface 776 and an innermost layer 776 of one or moremetallic materials. The innermost layer of metallic materials contactssmoking material 26. In one embodiment, an entirety of side walls 766 isformed from one or more metallic materials. Because at least the innermost layer 776 of sidewalls 766 is formed from a metallic material,sidewall 766 have an enhanced thermal conductivity for thermallyconducting heat from a heat source 78 (shown in FIG. 1) resting uponcapsule 724. Because the thermally conductive inner surface directlycontacts smoking material 26, heat is effectively transferred to thesmoking material 726. In other embodiments, sidewalls 766 may includeone or more layers of thermally conductive metallic materials which arespaced from the innermost surface 776 by one or more nonmetallic layersor materials, wherein surface 776 is formed from a material or issufficiently thin so as to not substantially thermally insulate thethermally conductive layer from smoking material 26. Because sidewalls66 provide such enhanced thermal conductivity, heat from heat source 78(shown in FIG. 1) is more uniformly distributed along the sides ofsmoking material 26 to smoke smoking material 26, resulting in enhancedperformance. In other embodiments, sidewalls 766 may be formed fromother materials.

In those embodiments in which sidewalls 766 have a layer formed from oneor more highly thermally conductive materials, such as metallicmaterials, floor 764 may additionally be provided with a highlyconductive layer 780 formed from one or more metallic materials. In oneembodiment, layer 780 may provide the innermost surface of floor 764. Inother embodiments, layer 780 may be spaced from the inner most surfaceof floor 764 by one or more non-metallic layers, wherein the innerlayers are formed from materials or are sufficiently thin so as to notsubstantially insulate the thermally conductive metallic layers fromsmoking material 26. Because floor 764 also includes a thermallyconductive layer, heat is also effectively conducted from sidewall 766to below smoking material 26, heating the underside of smoking material26. As a result, even more uniform heating and smoking of smokingmaterial 26 may be achieved. In other embodiments, floor 764 may omitsuch thermally conductive metallic layers.

According to one embodiment, both floor 764 and sidewalls 766 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body. According to one embodiment,floor 764 and sidewalls 766 are integrally formed as a single unitarybody from a tin foil (also known as aluminum foil). In otherembodiments, floor 764 and sidewall 766 may be formed from one or moreother materials.

As further shown by FIG. 20, sidewalls 766 include a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced vertically oriented wrinkles 777. Wrinkles 777provide channels, grooves or other passageways through which heated airand smoke may travel during heating of the smoking material withincapsule 724. In addition, wrinkles 777 provide sidewalls 766 with alarger overall surface area, facilitating enhanced transfer of heat tosmoking material within container 760. It has also been discovered thatthe increased surface area of sidewalls 766 and the grooves or channelsformed by wrinkles 777 capture and retain soot or ash that may occurwithin capsule 724. As a result, the ash is less likely to be drawn intohookah 722 and is less likely to be inhaled.

Sidewalls 766 are joined to top 762 at junction 784. According to oneembodiment, sidewalls 766 are connected to top 762 by a crimped junction784. In one embodiment, sidewalls 766 are solely connected to top 762 bycrimped junction 784 without any intervening adhesives or insulativematerials. As a result, in those embodiments in which sidewalls 766 isformed from one or more thermally conductive metallic materials, heat ismore effectively conducted in transferred from top 762 to sidewalls 766.There are no intervening adhesive layers to insulate or interfere withthe transfer of heat to sidewall 766. In addition, there are noadhesives which may otherwise emit an undesirable odor or scent oraffect taste of the smoke during heating of capsule 724. In otherembodiments, junction 784 may include one or more adhesives, glues,solder joints, welds, interlocking structures or the like. In someembodiments, junction 784 may omit any crimping. In still otherembodiments, junction 784 may be omitted, wherein sidewalls 766 areintegrally formed as a single unitary body with top 762.

According to one embodiment, junction 784 includes one or more adhesivesformed from, comprising or consisting of one or more syrups or otherfood grade materials having sticky, adhesive or bonding characteristics.In one embodiment, the same syrups or other food grade materials thatare added to the smoking material 26 to preserve the smoking material,to add a scent to the smoking material or to add flavor to the smokingmaterial (collectively referred to as smoking material additive) arealso used at junction 784 to assist in joining top 762 to sidewall 766and/or to assist in sealing between top 762 and sidewall 766. Becausethe same materials added to the smoking material are also used toenhance or facilitate joining in sealing between sidewall 766 and top762, other adhesives which might otherwise add undesirable odor orflavor during smoking of the smoking material under high heat areeliminated or reduced. In addition, complexity and costs for fabricatingor manufacturing capsule 24 are reduced.

In one embodiment, the smoking material additive is the sole means bywhich top 762 is joined to sidewall 766. For example, the smokingmaterial additive may seal and join two mutually facing flaps orsurfaces. In another embodiment, the smoking material additive may beused in addition to a mechanical joint to enhance bonding as well as toenhance sealing. For example, one embodiment, smoking material additivemay be provided between adjacent layers that are crimped and formjunction 84. In one embodiment, the smoking material additive maycomprise a syrup such as molasses. In other embodiments, the smokingmaterial additive may comprise other materials which have adhesiveproperties in at least one physical state.

In some embodiments, the smoking material additive may alternatively oradditionally be used to join and/or assist in sealing between othercomponents of capsule 724. For example, the smoking material additivemay be used to seal and join removable flaps to either top 762 or floor764 over and across preformed openings. In other embodiments, use ofsmoking material additive as a structural component joining our sealingbetween structures may be omitted.

Top 762 comprises one or more structures coupled to joined or connectedto sidewalls 766 and spanning across interior 772 of container 760. Top762 captures and substantially encloses smoking material 726 withininterior 772. Top 762 additionally supports heating source 778 (hotcoals) over and above smoking material 26. Top 762 includes centralportion 786.

Central portion 786 covers interior 772 while standing over interior 772between opposite sides of sidewalls 766. Central portion 786 has anupwardly and outwardly facing surface that is either flat or concave. Asa result, central portion 786 is better able to support heat source 778(hot cold) over interior 772 and over smoking material 26. In otherwords, the hot coals are less likely to roll off of central portion 786.In one embodiment, central portion 786 is either sufficiently rigid andstrong or is sufficiently supported by sidewall 766 so as to besufficiently taught when supporting the coals of heat source 778 suchthat an underside of central portion 786 does not collapse or rest uponsmoking material 26. In other words, central portion 786 is configuredsuch that the weight of heat source 78 does not cause central portion786 to compress smoking material 26. Because smoking material 26 is inan uncompressed state, having a greater surface area and having moreaccess to airflow, smoking material 26 is more effectively andefficiently smoked.

According to one embodiment, central portion 786 is formed from orincludes a highly conductive layer 789 formed from one or more metallicmaterials. In one embodiment, layer 789 may provide the innermostsurface of central portion 786. In other embodiments, layer 789 may bespaced from the inner most surface of central portion 786 by one or morenon-metallic layers, wherein the inner meaning layers are formed frommaterials or are sufficiently thin so as to not substantially insulatethe thermally conductive metallic layers from smoking material 26.Because central portion 786 also includes a thermally conductive layer,heat is more effectively conducted to smoking material 26 throughcentral portion 786, heating the upper side of smoking material 26. Inother embodiments, central portion 786 may omit such thermallyconductive metallic layers.

As shown by FIG. 23, when capsule 724 is being used with hookah system722, central portion 786 includes one or more openings 790. Openings 790are sized and located to permit air to pass into interior 772 ofcontainer 760 without large amounts of residue, if any, from heat source78 (shown in FIG. 1), such as the ashes from coals, passing through thesame openings 790. In one embodiment, openings 790 comprise punctures(in the shape of voids or slits) extending through central portion 786.

In one embodiment, such punctures may be formed by an end-user whenpreparing hookah system 720 for use. In such an embodiment, centralportion 786 is sufficiently thin and sufficiently rigid or taught topermit such puncturing with a sharp object. For example, in oneembodiment, central portion 786 has a fixed generally inflexible planarprofile and is formed from one of more thin foils.

In other embodiments, openings 790 may be formed in other manners and atother points in time. For example, in other embodiments, openings 790may comprise punctures, slits, cut-outs, notches or other types ofopenings and formed during the fabrication or manufacture of centralportion 786 prior to insertion of smoking material 26 into container 760or after insertion of smoking material 26 into container 760 but beforewholesale or retail distribution of capsule 724. In one embodiment, suchopenings 790 are temporarily sealed or closed to maintain freshness ofthe smoking material 26. In particular, in one embodiment, capsule 724may additionally be provided with a closing tab or flap 794. As shown byarrow 795, flap 794 is configured to be torn or peeled away fromcontainer 60 so as to open openings 790.

In one embodiment, flap 794 may be temporarily joined to central portion786 across openings 790 with a pressure sensitive adhesive (such asthose found on POST-IT notes), enabling a person to easily peel flap794. In other embodiments, flap 794 may be secured to container 760 in amore permanent fashion across openings 790, wherein flap 794 is torn orfolded away from remaining portions of container 760 to expose openings790. In one embodiment, flap 794 may be torn away and additionalopenings may be manually punctured (with a sharp object) through centralportion 768 depending upon the desired amount of air flow across smokingmedium or material 26.

Perforator 726 comprises one or more structures configured to facilitateperforation of face 768 of interface 765 to “break” the seal aboutsmoking material 26 and to provide pneumatic communication betweeninterior 772 of container 760 and the interior of tube 32 such thatsmoke from heated smoking material 26 may be drawn out of interior 772through tube 32. As shown by FIG. 21, perforator 726 includes a supportplate 780 supporting a plurality of upwardly extending perforatingneedles 782 and including a plurality of slots or apertures. As shown byFIG. 23, needles 782 have tips configured to perforate or puncturethrough axial face 768 when tube 767 receives mounting portion 729 andperforator 726. Needles 782 each include a pair of ports and an a hollowinterior interconnecting the ports such that smoke may pass through afirst port of needles 782 within interior 772, may pass through thehollow interior of the needle and may be drawn through the second needleport into mouth 730 of mounting portion 729. Additional smoke may bedrawn around the punctures formed by needles 782 and through apertures785. In some embodiments, perforator 726 may include knives, pins orother puncturing devices in place of needles 782, wherein the puncturingdevices merely form openings in face 782 and wherein smoke is drawn tosuch openings and through apertures 784 in plate 780 into mouth 730. Inyet other embodiments where Needles 782 to provide smoke passagewaysthrough plate 780, apertures 784 may be omitted. In some embodiments,one or both of needles 72 and apertures 784 may include filteringmaterials to filter out ash or other undesirable elements or to addflavorings or scents to the smoke prior to the smoke entering tube 32.

In the example illustrated, perforator 726 comprises a structureconfigured to be removably mounted upon tube mounting portion 729 and soas to be insertable into interface 765 while being supported by mountingportion 729. In the example illustrated, perforator 729 is cup-shaped,having interior 790 configured to receive mounting portion 729. In otherembodiments, perforator 726 may be mounted to mounting portion 729 usingother mounting structures. Because perforator 726 is removable frommounting portion 729, perforator 726 may be removed from mountingportion 729 for cleaning or replacement.

In other embodiments, as shown by FIG. 22, perforator 726 mayalternatively be movably supported and carried within tube 767 ofinterface 765. In such an embodiment, needles 782 (or the otherpuncturing devices of perforator 726) extend upward, but terminate belowaxial face 768 and do not break the seal provided by axial face 768. Asmouth 730 is pushed into tube 767 of mounting portion 729, needles 768(or the other puncturing devices of perforator 726) are pushed upwardthrough axial face 768 to break the seal and facilitate smoke flow totube 32. In yet other embodiments, perforator 726 may be integrallyformed as part of a single unitary body or be fixed, such as withadhesives or welding, to mounting portion 729. As noted above, in stillother embodiments, perforator 76 may be omitted where slits or otheropenings are preformed in interface 765 and are temporarily sealed by aremovable tab or flap 774.

Although FIG. 19 illustrates interface 765 employed in capsule 724having spacer system 600 (described above), interface 765 mayalternatively be employed in other capsules. For example, interface 765may be employed in capsules having different spacer systems or a matinga spacer system. Interface 765 may be provided in capsules formed fromother materials or having other configurations.

FIGS. 24-26 illustrate hookah system 820, another embodiment of hookahsystem 20. Hookah system 820 is similar to hookah system 720 excepthookah system 820 includes capsule 824 in place of capsule 724. Capsule824 is similar to capsule 724 except that capsule 824 includes interface865 in lieu of interface 765. Interface 865 is similar to interface 765except interface 765 extends from and below floor 764. Like interface865, interface 865 comprises a tube 867 having an axial face 868 whichis either imperforate (to be later perforated by an end-user usingperforator 826 or other perforation tool) or is pre-perforated at thepoint of manufacture, wherein the interior 772 is sealed with aremovable tab or flap 874. Because tube 867 is formed on an exterior ofcontainer 760, tube 867 does not occupy valuable space within interior772, allowing capsule 824 to contain a greater volume of smokingmaterial 26.

Although FIG. 24 illustrates interface 865 employed in capsule 824having spacer system 600 (described above), interface 865 mayalternatively be employed in other capsules. For example, interface 865they be employed in capsules having different spacer systems or a matinga spacer system. Interface 865 may be provided in capsules formed fromother materials or having other configurations.

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate hookah system 820, another embodiment of hookahsystem 720. Hookah system 920 is similar to hookah system 820 exceptthat hookah system 920 includes hookah 922 and hookah bowl capsule 924in place of hookah 722 and capsule 824. Hookah 922 is similar to hookah722 except that hookah 922 includes tube mounting portion 929 instead oftube mounting portion 729. Tube mounting portion 929 extends from andcommunicates with an interior of a remainder of tube 32. Tube mountingportion 929 outwardly extends from a remainder of tube 32 to form amouth 930. Mouth 930 is sufficiently wide and is configured so as toreceive a male interface of capsule 924. In the example illustrated,mounting portion 929 has a conical interior 931 for sealing against aninterface of capsule 94. Another embodiment, portion 929 may have otherconfigurations for receiving and sealing against an interface of capsulenormal 924.

Although FIG. 27 illustrates interface 965 employed in capsule 924having spacer system 600 (described above), interface 965 mayalternatively be employed in other capsules. For example, interface 965may be employed in capsules having different spacer systems or a matinga spacer system. Interface 965 may be provided in capsules formed fromother materials or having other configurations.

Perforator 926 is similar to perforator 726 in a perforator 926 includesa support plate 980, a plurality of needles 982 and one or more slots orapertures 928. As shown by FIG. 27, plate 980 rests within mountingportion 929 with needles 928 extending upwardly. As shown by FIG. 30,when capsule 924 is mounted upon tube mounting portion 929 withinterface 965 received within mouth 930, needles 928 extent upwardlythrough tube 967 and perforator face 968 to break its seal, providingsmoke flow from interior 772 to tube 32. As noted above in embodimentswhere face 968 is pre-perforated and is sealed by flap 874, perforator926 may be omitted.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view illustrating hookah system 1020, anotherembodiment of hookah system 820 shown in FIGS. 24-26. Hookah system 1020is similar to hookah system 820 except that hookah system 1020 includesinterface 1065 instead of interface 865. Both are main portions ofhookah system 1020 with corresponding portions of hookah system 820 arenumbered similarly. Gasket 34, jar 36, hose 38 and valve 40 of hookahsystem 1020 are shown in FIG. 24.

Interface 1065 is similar to interface 865 in that it mounts a container1060 containing smoking material 206 to pipe stem or hookah tube 32.Container 1060 is similar to container 760 except the container 1060omits an integrally formed interface and instead includes asubstantially flat floor 1064 and upwardly extending sidewalls 766.Floor 1064 includes a central portion 1067 that is either configured tobe punctured or perforated with the perforation tool such as tool 727shown in FIG. 19A or includes preformed openings or perforations 1070which are temporarily closed or sealed by a sealing flap or tab such asflap 481 shown in FIG. 12 or flap 874 shown in FIG. 24. Floor 1064 has alowermost surface configured to be sealed against or mate with interface1065. In the example illustrated, floor 1065 has a substantially flatlowermost surface. As a result, container 1060 is more easily stacked,transported and inventoried. In addition, container 1064 may befabricated in a less complex and less expensive manner. In otherembodiments, depending upon the configuration interface 1065, floor 1064may have other configurations.

Sidewalls 766 are described above with respect to container 760.Sidewalls 766 are sufficiently rigid and strong so as to support top 762above and at a spaced relationship to smoking material 206 and panel 605under the weight of a heat source, such as hot coals, placed or restingupon top 762, or under pressure applied by users during the mounting ofthe capsule. In the example illustrated, sidewalls 766 have a strengthor rigidity so as to be able to withstand 1.0 pounds without anycompression or deformation of sidewalls 766. In the example illustrated,sidewalls 766 are formed from Aluminum foil having a thickness of about0.0015 inches. In another embodiment, sidewalls 766 may have otherconfigurations and may be formed from other materials having differentthicknesses.

Interface 1065 differs from interface 865 in that rather than beingintegrally formed as part of a single unitary body with the containercontaining the smoking material 206, interface 1065 comprises a separateand distinct coupler. Interface 1065 is sealed against a lowermostsurface of floor 1064 and is further sealed to and about hookah tube 32.An example illustrated, interface 1065 includes tube receiving portion1100 and platform 1102. To receiving portion 1100 includes an internaltube opening 1104 configured to receive a terminal end of tube 32. Tubeopening 1104 is configured to seal against or mate with tube 32 providesa pneumatic or gas tight seal. An example illustrated, two opening 1104is tapered or is cone or funnel-shaped. In the example illustrated, tubeopening 1104 further includes a gasket 1106 to further enhance sealingagainst tube 32. In other embodiments, gasket 1106 may be omitted or maybe integrally formed as part of tube mounting portion 1100.

Platform 1102 extends outwardly from tube mounting portion 1100 andprovides a surface 1108 facing floor 1064. In the example illustrated,platform 1102 is sealed against floor 1064 by an adhesive ring or bead1012 continuously extending about opening 1104 and adhesively joined toboth platform 1108 and floor 1064. In other embodiments, platform 1108may be sealed against or to floor 1064 by an O-ring, an annular gasket,or mechanical locking mechanism that provides a pneumatic seal. Becauseplatform 1102 sealed against floor 1064, sidewalls 766 remain exposed,allowing advertising, instructions or other information to be displayedalongside while 766 when container 1060 is being used as part of hookahsystem 1020. In addition, gravity assists in the formation of the seal.

According to one embodiment, interface 1065 is separate and distinctfrom tube 32 and container 1060. In such an embodiment, the adhesivering or bead 1012 (or other sealing structure) may be either provided ontop of platform 1102 or on an underside of floor 10 64 prior to thejoining of container 1060 to interface 1065. For example, in oneembodiment, the decent ring or bead 1012 maybe preformed on an undersideof floor 1064 and may be covered by a sealing flap which also stealsopenings 1070. Once the sealing flap is torn or peeled away to exposethe adhesive bead 1012, the adhesive bead 1012 may be pressed against atop of platform 1102 to seal interface 1065 to floor 1064 of container1060. In another embodiment, the adhesive bead or sealing ring 1012 maybe preformed on top of platform 1102 and covered by flap which may bepeeled and separated from the adhesive ring 1012, allowing the adhesivering 1012 to be bonded to an underside of floor 1064.

In another embodiment, interface 1065 may be permanently join to floor1064 and distributed or sold as part of container 1060. In yet anotherembodiment, interface about 1065 may be permanently joined are formed aspart of tube 32. In yet other embodiments, interface 10 65 may haveother configurations. For example, in other embodiments, the sealingstructure between floor 10 64 and platform 1102 of interface 1065provided by sealing ring 1012 may be omitted wherein tube 32 sealedagainst floor 1064 about openings 1070.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view illustrating hookah system 1220, anotherembodiment of hookah system 1020. Hookah system 1220 is similar tohookah system 1020 except that hookah system 1220 includes interface1265 instead of interface 1065. Interface 1265 is similar to interface1065 except that interface 1265 additionally includes sidewalls 1269extending upwardly from platform 1102. The remaining portions ofinterface 1265 that correspond to portions of interface 1065 arenumbered similarly. 1269 encircle platform 1102 and cooperate withplatform 1102 to form a cup-shaped receptacle 1273 configured (sized andshaped) to receive a lower end of container 1060. In one embodiment,sidewalls 1269 form a circular ring. In another embodiment, sidewalls1269 form a polygonal ring. Because interface 1265 receives container1060, interface 1265 more stably secures and supports container 1060while leaving outer circumferential or exterior portions of sidewalls766 exposed for providing instructions, advertising and the like. Inaddition, because sidewalls 1269 only partially extend upward alongsidewalls 766 and do not extend all the way from floor 1102 to top 762,interface 1265 is more compact and material consumption and cost arereduced.

In the example illustrated, platform 1102 sealed against floor 1064while sidewalls 1269 seal against sidewalls 766. In one embodiment, theseal is provided by a friction pneumatically sealing fit of container1060 within receptacle 1273 without a gasket or adhesive. In otherembodiments, adhesives or gaskets may be provided between platform 1102and floor 1064 and/or between sidewalls 1269 and sidewalls 766. In yetother embodiments, interface 1265 may alternatively seal only againstfloor 1064 or only against sidewalls 766 of container 1060. For example,one embodiment, sidewalls to 69 seal against sidewalls 766 while floorwithout 64 is spaced above platform 1102.

As with interface 1065, interface 1065 is separate and distinct fromtube 32 and container 1060. In yet other embodiments, interface 1265 mayalternatively be permanently joined to floor 1064 and distributed orsold as part of container 1060. In yet another embodiment, interfaceabout 1065 may be permanently joined are formed as part of tube 32. Instill other embodiments, interface 10 65 may have other configurations.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference toexample embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although differentexample embodiments may have been described as including one or morefeatures providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that thedescribed features may be interchanged with one another or alternativelybe combined with one another in the described example embodiments or inother alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the presentdisclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology areforeseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to theexample embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestlyintended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specificallyotherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element alsoencompass a plurality of such particular elements.

1. An apparatus comprising: a container formed from one or more foils; asmoking material within the container; a top joined to the outercontainer to capture the smoking material within the outer container;and at least one thermally conductive panel between the smoking materialand the top, wherein the panel is spaced from the top.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1 comprising an air gap between the panel and a lower surfaceof the top.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the panel is spacedfrom a lower surface of the top by at least 1/16 of an inch.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the panel rests and floats upon thesmoking material.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the panel isspaced from a lower surface of the top by at least 1/16 of an inch. 6.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the panel is supported by the outercontainer.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the panel is spaced froma lower surface of the top by at least 1/16 of an inch.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1 further comprising a grid over the panel and retaining thepanel at a minimum distance from the top.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the panel is circular.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thepanel has outer edges facing and spaced from an interior sidewall of thecontainer.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises afoil, ceramic, clay, or sand core.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising an interface coupled to the container and configured to beremovably mounted upon a tube of a hookah.
 13. The apparatus of claim12, wherein the interface comprises a tube configured to receive thetube of the hookah.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the interfacecomprises a tubular projection configured to be received within the tubeof the hookah.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the containerincludes a plurality of wrinkles extending along interior side walls ofthe container.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an outercontainer formed from one or more foils and receiving the container, theouter container having an interface configured to be removably mountedupon a tube of a hookah.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the topcompletely covers the container and the outer container.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the top suspends the container in theouter container.
 19. A hookah smoking system comprising: a hookah havinga tube, the tube having a first end opening within a liquid reservoirand a second end opening; a container formed from one or more foils andhaving an interior in communication with an interior of the tube; asmoking material within the container; a top joined to the outercontainer to capture the smoking material within the outer container;and at least one thermally conductive panel between the smoking materialand the top, wherein the panel is spaced from the top.
 20. A methodcomprising: spacing a smoking material within a container from a topover the container with at least one thermally conductive panel betweenthe smoking material and the top; positioning a heat source upon thetop; drawing smoke through a bottom of the container.